The defender endured a serious knee injury last summer and ended the season on loan at his former club Nacional.

The Merseyside links don’t end there this week for Sunderland fans with many settling down to watch former favourite and local boy - Jordan Henderson. The Fenchouses-born midfielder will win his 13th cap for England against Norway at Wembley in their European Qualifier. Henderson, a product of Sunderland’s Academy of Light, rose through the ranks on Wearside earning himself a £20 million move to Liverpool in June 2011.

Following a transitional first season at Anfield Henderson has been a shining light under Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers - so much so he is now one of the first names on the Reds’ teamsheet.

Liverpool FC reporter for the Liverpool Echo, James Pearce, confirmed Henderson’s rise to the top for club and country.

“It has been an amazing transition for Jordan. In that first season here he was like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Even though Sunderland are a big club, there comes an air of expectation and pressure pulling on the red jersey for Liverpool.

“There is intense scrutiny here and players do need to make that step up. Liverpool paid Sunderland a lot of money for a 20-year old midfielder and of course this was not Jordan’s fault.”

Pearce though goes onto add the former Sunderland man (who was spotted in the stands supporting his hometown club at the League Cup final between Manchester City and Sunderland in March) is very much a foundation of the Liverpool side these days.

“Henderson is now a vital cog in Brendan Rodgers’ team. He has grown in confidence and now goes forward looking to attack with a penetrating pass. Before he would have chosen the sidepass option. All credit to him.

“In his last game against Spurs, I thought Jordan was our outstanding player on the day. His energy and work rate are undoubted and whilst he did not grab the headlines at White Hart Lane, he set up the first goal for Sterling and put in a superb shift for the team.”

Does Henderson have what it takes to become a future Liverpool captain then?

“It wouldn’t surprise me one day to see him wear the captain’s armband for Liverpool. The role of vice-captain is available at the moment following Daniel Agger’s move to Brondby and Jordan would certainly fit the bill. There are more experienced players ahead of Jordan in the Liverpool team, but I hope he gets the nod for this.

“Jordan is the model professional and he is a fantastic role model to youngsters watching the game. If he continues to apply the same work rate he has so far at Liverpool, then who knows what the future could hold.”

Regardless of what happens later in Henderson’s career, Sunderland as a club can be proud of their part in the development in one of England’s hottest talents.

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